Geared Up

High-end camera maker Red unveiled a mysterious new smartphone this week, and Geared Up co-host Andru Edwards was there for the hands-on experience. He said the new phone has some cool features, but also some strange ones. Plus, Microsoft once again tries to take on Apple in the tablet arena and we get into the Hype around the Tesla Model 3. Andru ordered his Model 3 more than two years ago and is picking it up in just a few days.Support the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two portable virtual reality headsets launched onto the stage in the past weeks: The highly affordable and convenient Oculus Go and the more sophisticated but pricey Lenovo Mirage Solo. So how do they compare? We go hands-on with both devices to find out on this episode. Plus, big news from the PC world with the launch of several new HP computers and a class-action lawsuit against Apple over the MacBook keyboard. Enter our Geared Up Giveaway for a chance to win an Oculus Go headset! https://www.geekwire.com/2018/geared-podcast-head-head-reviews-oculus-go-lenovo-mirage-solo/Support the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode, we take a deep dive into two technologies that co-hosts Andru Edwards and Todd Bishop have been using lately. Andru gives us his take on two Nokia Health's smart devices and Todd tells us how he was lured back to using Windows by his new favorite PC. Plus, what is Apple doing with virtual reality?Support the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Oculus Go sprang onto shelves in a surprise launch Tuesday. Is the lower-power, portable VR headset the future of virtual reality? We debate on this episode. Plus: What the T-Mobile / Sprint merger means for wireless customers and Apple reports record-breaking iPhone sales in the first months of 2018. Support the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apple's HomePod smart speaker has been out for a while now — and it's clear the device is struggling in a competitive smart speaker market. What led to its demise? Plus, Amazon reveals how they assign the preferred "Amazon's Choice" label to products, Apple is rumored to be entering the news business and how Xbox's backward compatibility might be the console's saving grace.Support the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How should gadget fans think about privacy? Andru, for one, says growing concerns about data privacy with Amazon, Google and Facebook will be a boon for Apple and other companies that don't base their businesses on advertising revenue. But doesn't that mean you're locked in to Apple's ecosystem? "Yes – locked into greatness," he says. Listen to our privacy discussion on this week's episode, plus a first look at the new iPad and an update on Valve Steam Machine consoles.  Geared Up is brought to you by National Car Rental. Find Andru's Technically Speaking on the NationalCar.com control center or youtube.com/nationalcarrent.Support the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apple announced a new $299 iPad aimed at schools this week, along with tons of other education products -- but will they give the company the edge to catch up with Google and Microsoft in ed tech? We pose that question to GeekWire contributor and ed tech expert Frank Catalano on this episode of Geared Up.Support the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apple announced a mysterious education event, hosted at a high school in Chicago. Is the company aiming to make a comeback in the education technology market? Plus, Apple is rumored to be making its own displays, Microsoft marches on with its always on PCs strategy and a new plan to make Alexa talk less.Support the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We get a hands-on review of the brand new Samsung Galaxy S9, set to launch Friday. Plus, Apple buys digital magazine service Texture and Andru gives us his take on Amazon's acquisition of smart home security company Ring -- and why it might be bad for consumers.Support the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sony and Samsung both hinted at -- or had leaks about -- upcoming smartphone releases. What are they up to? Plus, Andru gives us his take after using the Apple HomePod and Dyson is taking its vacuum cleaner business in a surprising new direction. Follow our tech coverage at GeekWire.com and subscribe to live, behind-the-scenes recordings of Geared Up at youtube.com/gearliveSupport the show: http://youtube.com/gearlive/joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.